Projects -

admin@circlesarounddundee.org.uk

Newsletters

Roberts Story

Robert is a young person with learning disabilities. His circle was initially set up to facilitate his move from Primary to Secondary School. He had attended the local Primary School for three years but the gap became too wide and he had to move on. He lost contact with all his old friends and was very isolated. As he approached the transition to Secondary School his parents decided that they wanted him to attend his local Secondary School instead of the option he had been offered. Roberts mum and helpers were permitted to spend time with children from his old school to raise awareness of how best to help him. It was a very powerful tool and 14 children volunteered to help Robert with the transition to the local Secondary School.

Roberts mum held 'Circle of Friends' meetings at her home and together they made up a programme for the summer. Robert had his best ever summer, he had lots of different activities to do and more importantly always someone to do it with. He began at the local Secondary School on a part-time basis, gradually building up to full-time and the circle was crucial during this initial settling in period. Although none of the circle members were in his class they were supportive of him in the playground, corridors and communal areas. They spoke to him and would intervene if he was out of his depth in any situation, even when teaching staff and auxillaries were present.

All the children acquired a confidence beyound their years and it was felt that they benefited at least as much as Robert during this period. The circle meetings continued on a weekly basis with the input from all the children becoming invaluable in the journey to support Robert at school and on social outings. The school were equally supportive of finding ways to accommodate his needs and adapted materials to ensure he followed the same curriculum as everyone else, aimed at his level. The sense of responsibility and community that the circle members feel has brought only positive benefits and it has been highlighted that there has been an improvement in the behaviour of some of the circle members as a result. Robert's mum feels that the Circle concept has been brilliant, not only helping him with the transition from Primary to Secondary School, but also on an ongoing basis. Robert has achieved far more socially and academically as a result of the help and support he has received than had previously been anticipated. If it had not been for the Circle speaking, supporting, helping to keep him out of trouble and helping him to feel safe then it may have been a very different story.